The Jewish Family & Children's Service of Greater Monmouth County is planning to expand its geriatric and adoption service programs.

Plans are already under way to broaden the scope of both projects, which are among the agency's most-utilized service areas, according to executive director Paul Freedman.

The program expansion will be accompanied by on-line and print media marketing efforts that will increase the agency's visibility in the county's Jewish community and community at large, said Freedman.

Freedman, a Lawrenceville resident, succeeded Mel Cohen as executive director on Jan. 29.

An "Aging In Place Support Service" will be added to the agency's current geriatric program, which is coordinated by Amy Dorfman of Marlboro, Freedman said.

The program addition, which was suggested by Dorfman, will provide services to senior citizens who are still able to live in their homes but are in need of certain ongoing supports. Services include organizing and coordinating bill payments, balancing checking accounts, sorting mail, and connecting with other service providers, he said.

JF&CS program representatives will conduct home assessments and evaluate the physical and mental health of those who are seeking program assistance. A schedule of services and ongoing monitoring will then be determined based on the needs of each individual, Freedman explained.

"The goal of these services is to help elderly members of the community remain in their homes for as long as possible, although they may need assistance in certain areas in order to stay there," said Freedman. "The in-place support services will help make that happen, and, as a result, these important community members can remain in the comfort of their own homes, rather than in an institutional setting or assisted-living environment."

When feasible, the in-place service staff will also consult with the program participants' adult children, many of whom no longer live near their parents or have other commitments that preclude them from providing in-home support, he added.

The agency is currently determining a "reasonable" fee structure for the new in-place services, said Freedman. He estimates that the operating budget for the new program will be approximately $100,000. The bulk of the funding will be derived from the service fees and from any grants, corporate underwriting, and donations that JF&CS is able to obtain, he said.

JF&CS is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County.

"After we build a caseload, we will be able to build a more precise program budget," said Freedman. "It will probably take from 18 to 24 months to generate enough revenue to make this a stand-alone program. It's a calculated risk, but we have the expertise to make it work. The skill sets of the agency staff are already in place."

The agency's current geriatric program provides counseling services at the JF&CS offices in Asbury Park, Red Bank, and Morganville or in a client's home; a support group for adults who are estranged from adult children; and home healthcare services. Provision of these services will continue, Freedman said.

Meanwhile, plans are also in the works to expand the JF&CS adoption program, which was first established in 1993, according to adoption program coordinator Roberta Taffer of Freehold.

Since then, the program has assisted in 140 adoptions, Taffer said.

With the expansion, the agency plans to establish contacts and affiliations with international adoption agencies, work more closely with adoption attorneys, and become more involved in placement studies and the post-adoption spectrum, Freedman said.

Currently, the agency performs required home placement studies, provides post-placement supervision, educates adoptive parents so they fully understand the adoption process, and conducts post-adoption support groups. Outreach to the community is also offered through workshops that focus on different aspects of adoption.

In addition, the JF&CS adoption program provides technical services and assistance to professionals, such as attorneys, physicians, and agencies involved in advising families who are considering or pursuing adoption.

The cost of the adoption program expansion is currently under review, but, Freedman said, he is convinced that the project will go forward.

"When I first came to JF&CS, I talked to the staff about ways to broaden our services and programs," he said. "I asked for their suggestions. Roberta was one of the first employees to come to me and say, ‘We can do more.' As a result, we're currently researching ways in which we can get more involved in different phases of the adoption process. We're going to be very innovative."

Freedman said the additions to the agency's geriatric and adoption services programs should be in full operation by the end of the calendar year.

"I am so filled with enthusiasm and optimism," he said. "I'm convinced that the JF&CS staff can do anything they set their minds to. And they all have heart and they honestly care – that's why the future of this agency is very bright."